Graduate Spotlight: Mia America Competes in the Face of Halloween 2025
Bold looks, big dreams, and a mission to support the Starlight Children’s Foundation.
Halloween has transformed into more than just candy and costumes—it’s a global showcase of creativity, artistry, and imagination. This year, the excitement is higher than ever with multiple Halloween contests electrifying the season. Among them, the Face of Halloween 2025 is drawing attention not only for its star-studded lineup of horror icons, but also for the charitable mission at its core.
One of the standout competitors is Mia America, a graduate of Vizio Makeup Academy. Known for her bold SFX artistry and creative storytelling, Mia has been making waves in sweepstakes and costume contests, often blending music, performance, and makeup into her entries. The Face of Halloween competition provides the perfect stage for her talent—an opportunity to showcase her skills while supporting the Starlight Children’s Foundation, which brings joy to seriously ill children and their families.
A Terrifying Experience for Fans
The Face of Halloween champion will not only claim $13,000 in prize money, but also appear in an exclusive feature in Rue Morgue magazine and meet horror legends including Jamie Lee Curtis, Matthew Lillard, and Kane Hodder. Each brings a unique presence to the competition: Curtis, the original Scream Queen of the Halloween franchise; Lillard, beloved for his roles in Scream and Five Nights at Freddy’s; and Hodder, the iconic Jason Voorhees of Friday the 13th. For horror fans, the chance to meet these stars is a dream come true.
The contest also includes a chilling twist. Through People’s Choice, fans can help decide the winner, who will attend events with Curtis and Lillard before joining Hodder on a ghost hunt. In Kane’s Choice, the horror legend himself will hand-select another competitor to join the investigation, doubling the opportunity for thrills.
Recognition and Exposure
In addition to meeting Hollywood icons, winners will enjoy a spooky photoshoot and exclusive spread in Rue Morgue magazine, the go-to source for horror enthusiasts worldwide. This kind of exposure highlights not only the artistry of the competitors, but also the cultural impact of Halloween as an ever-growing creative movement.
Mia’s Creative Journey
Mia America’s path to the competition is marked by dedication and passion. She has built a reputation for her ability to blend SFX makeup with performance, often incorporating singing, dancing, and storytelling into her videos. Her artistry reflects the training and foundation she developed at Vizio Makeup Academy, where hands-on courses helped prepare her for opportunities like this. Her entry into the Face of Halloween 2025 is not just about competition, but about using art to inspire, entertain, and support a greater cause.
Supporting a Greater Cause
As horror master Stephen King once said, “We make up horrors to help us cope with the real ones.” While audiences enjoy the thrills of fictional monsters, the Face of Halloween contest supports children facing real-life challenges. Donations raised benefit the Starlight Children’s Foundation, which provides happiness through toy deliveries, gaming, creative hospital wear, and more.
Sponsored by Industry Leaders
This year’s competition is supported by major sponsors that help fuel the magic:
- Midsummer Scream, the world’s largest Halloween and horror convention.
- Mehron Makeup, a global leader in SFX and theatrical cosmetics with nearly a century of history supporting artists in theater, film, cosplay, and Halloween.
With such backing, the Face of Halloween 2025 promises not only to celebrate spooky season but also to elevate artistry and community. For competitors like Mia America, it represents an exciting chance to merge creativity with purpose, proving that makeup can be more than transformation—it can be a force for impact.
Mehron Makeup is proud to sponsor the Face of Halloween 2025, bringing nearly 100 years of artistry and innovation to one of the most exciting contests of the year. From a small Broadway storefront to becoming a global leader in over 65 countries, Mehron has earned its reputation as the go-to brand for professional special effects makeup, body paint, and theatrical cosmetics. Trusted by performers on Broadway, in film and television, cosplay, and Halloween events worldwide, Mehron continues to empower artists to create bold, unforgettable transformations. By supporting this competition, Mehron celebrates creativity, community, and the next generation of SFX talent.
What inspired you to enter the Face of Halloween costume contest?
I’ve always loved creating bold, out-of-this-world looks and pushing myself to experiment with new techniques in makeup. When I discovered that this competition also raises funds for such a meaningful cause, I knew I wanted to be a part of it. The combination of artistry, challenge, and the opportunity to give back truly inspired me to enter.
This opportunity means so much to me. On a personal level, it represents the chance to share my passion for creativity with a wider audience. Professionally, winning could help me build a name for myself within the makeup industry and open doors to grow as an artist.
How has your time at Vizio Makeup Academy prepared you for this moment?
My time at Vizio Makeup Academy has been amazing. The makeup courses were incredibly detailed and informative, giving me a strong foundation in both artistry and professionalism. What stood out most was how personal and hands-on the training was—it fit into my schedule while still providing the experience of working inside the professional makeup world. That preparation has given me the confidence to take on challenges like this competition.
Can you share more about your creative process and inspirations?
Special effects makeup is one of my greatest passions—I love creating looks that surprise and even shock people with their originality. My process always begins with deep research. I immerse myself in mythology, monster lore, and fantasy, mixing and matching elements to create something entirely new. Often, I’ll sketch out my ideas first and then bring them to life with detail and precision. Each look is a chance to tell a story and spark emotion.
TikTok is also a big part of my inspiration. I love finding the perfect audio or transition ideas to bring my creations to life on camera. I often create videos and share images of my work, using music and creative transitions to bring my ideas to life. Influencers like @makeupbyruthie on TikTok have pushed me to explore new ideas and expand my boundaries. Collaborating with friends and incorporating dancing or singing into my videos helps me stand out.
One of my most memorable projects was recreating Art the Clown from the movie Terrifier. Sharing photos of my Art the Clown look received positive feedback from the community. It was a challenging passion project that really pushed my skills, and I was so proud of how it turned out.
What are your must-have products and tools for creating SFX looks?
For everyday essentials, I can’t live without waterproof mascara—specifically Essence’s Call Me Queen. Even on a bare-faced day, it makes me feel polished.
When it comes to SFX, I always reach for my Athena face paint palette, cotton balls, and liquid latex. They’re essential for building texture and dimension.
I also love working with Mehron, hands down the best SFX line I’ve ever used. The quality is exceptional and perfect for impactful, long-lasting special effects. And while I’m comfortable with all tools, I find traditional brushes give me the most control and precision. That said, I’m always open to exploring new techniques—especially with airbrush makeup like Temptu, which opens up creative possibilities.
Where do you see your career heading in the next few years?
My immediate goal is to work in a makeup store and build my freelance portfolio with events like proms, dances, and weddings. I’m already thrilled to have two weddings booked, which is a fantastic start!
In the long term, I hope to work on movie sets, collaborate with local theaters, and maybe even open my own makeup studio one day. Working on a film would be an absolute dream come true—the chance to create a character from scratch and contribute to storytelling excites me the most.
What message do you want to share about the Starlight Children’s Foundation?
I believe kindness, even in the smallest form, can make a huge impact. Supporting the Starlight Children’s Foundation means helping bring joy and comfort to children who deserve to smile despite difficult circumstances. Every contribution, no matter how small, goes a long way in making a difference for them.
What advice would you give to other artists thinking about entering competitions like this?
My biggest piece of advice is to never forget the cause behind the competition. It’s easy to get caught up in the competitive spirit, but remembering that you’re doing it for a good reason can keep you grounded. And most importantly, let your creativity shine! Don’t be afraid to take risks and market yourself—your unique vision is your greatest asset.
Be Part of the Story
Mia’s journey is proof that makeup is more than colors and brushes—it’s a powerful form of storytelling that can inspire, uplift, and even change lives. From her time training at Vizio Makeup Academy to now competing on a global stage, she embodies what it means to chase dreams with both passion and purpose.
By supporting Mia, you’re not just cheering on an incredible artist—you’re also helping bring joy and comfort to children who need it most through the Starlight Children’s Foundation. Every vote, every share, and every show of encouragement makes a difference.
Support Mia’s Journey: You can support Mia in the Face of Halloween 2025 competition and help raise donations for the Starlight Children’s Foundation by visiting her link:
